If you’ve spent any time on the Internet, you’ve probably provided your name, address, and other information to a company or organization on its website. You’ve also seen references to privacy policies, but if you’re like most people, you haven’t read them.

An organization’s privacy policy is an important document that explains what information the organization collects about you, how they collect it, how it is used, and what control you have over the use of your information. ICMA and the Alliance for Innovation have had a shared privacy policy since the launch of the Local Government Knowledge Network. We’ve recently updated it to make it clearer and to provide new ways for you to control how your information can be used.

What Changed?

Most of the changes were to clarify how information is collected and used, and were not material changes. The policy contains one change to clarify an area that was not adequately addressed: sharing of information with state associations and other nonprofit organizations.

ICMA has always worked closely with state associations of local government management, and has often worked on joint projects with other nonprofit organizations such as the National League of Cities. There are times when it is helpful to be able to share contact information with these organizations. For example, state associations may want to send an email to registered ICMA Annual Conference attendees from that state to invite them to an event. We’ve clarified the policy to address this and have added a way for you to opt out of having your information shared in this type of exchange. 

Reviewing the Policy and Your Preferences

We encourage you to review the new ICMA and Alliance for Innovation privacy policy as well as the policies of any organizations that you entrust with your personal information.

We’ve released the new privacy policy at the same time that ICMA has consolidated its e-newsletter offerings, so you can review your newsletter selections and privacy preferences at the same time. The policy is always accessible from a link at the bottom of the ICMA or Alliance website, or at http://icma.org/privacypolicy.

If you have questions,  contact membership@icma.org.